Ryan Smith's Utah Sports Empire Expands
Ryan Smith continues to make waves in the sports world, further entrenching his influence in Utah’s athletics scene. Smith's latest venture involved acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocating the team to Salt Lake City, with a fresh rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club. This strategic move highlights Smith's ongoing commitment to bolstering Utah's profile as a hub of competitive sports.
The first night of the Utah Hockey Club's inaugural season was a glamorous affair, featuring celebrities Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is no stranger to Utah's sports ecosystem. He is a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the newly minted Utah Hockey Club, reinforcing his growing association with the state’s sporting endeavors. “I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life,” joked Wade, illustrating his deepening connection with the sport and the state.
A Vision for Utah Sports
Ryan Smith is no ordinary sports entrepreneur. His list of stakes is impressive, holding ownership in the NBA's Utah Jazz—a team he co-owns with Wade after purchasing it for $1.66 billion in 2020—and the MLS’s Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals. Gentry Anderson marveled at this expansion, saying, "It's been surreal to be able to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans." This connection with the community sets Smith apart, as he not only invests financially but also emotionally in his teams and their supporters.
Smith’s ambition seems boundless. His influence extends beyond traditional sports ownership, having played an instrumental role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah. His efforts as part of a successful bid delegation in Paris signify his vision of making Utah a global sports destination.
Impact Beyond Ownership
While sports are a significant part of Smith’s portfolio, they represent just a portion of his broader business acumen. Co-founding Qualtrics, a tech company eventually sold to SAP for a whopping $8 billion, showcases his entrepreneurial expertise. Smith's ventures are guided by a personal credo: "No one's really given me anything in life. If you wanted something, you have to go get it. It just doesn't happen any other way," signifying a tenacity that propels him forward.
This spirit of innovation extends into his sports involvement. Smith has made strides in evolving sports broadcasting, inviting NBA commissioner Adam Silver to “use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." It's this forward-thinking approach that cements his status as a visionary leader in both business and sports.
A.J. Dybantsa's commitment to Brigham Young University with a rumored NIL deal amounting to between $4 million and $7 million underscores Smith's influence in the collegiate sports arena, though he maintains no financial involvement in this particular deal. His role as a guest lecturer at the university allows him to inspire the next generation, sharing insights from his diverse endeavors.
The Future of Utah's Sports Landscape
Smith’s ambitions also include initiatives to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area, underscoring his commitment to community development alongside his sports interests. As Utah emerges as a vibrant sports territory under his leadership, the influence of his multifaceted approach is undeniable. Ryan Smith isn’t just reshaping the sports scene in Utah; he’s redefining how we integrate sports into community, culture, and innovation.
In Smith's world, ownership is about more than financial holdings—it's about crafting an enduring legacy that extends beyond the final whistle. His work continues to elevate Utah on the map, not only as a sports capital but also as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement.